Cults and Religious Freedom

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Introduction
The United States of America has guaranteed religious freedom to all, regardless of beliefs or practices. Cult groups however, are often victim of limited religious freedom simply because of the negative connotation that the word “cult” carries. As a society, we tend to label small, religious groups, with deviant beliefs and practices, far removed from mainstream religions as cults. With the word “cult” comes a plethora of negative, insulting, and often exaggerated stereotypes which lead to the unlawful treatment of these groups. With that being said, some practices of certain cults do warrant governmental intervention and require the limitation of religious freedom due to their violent nature. However, where is this line drawn? As can be seen through the violent and suicidal practices of the Jonestown and Heaven’s Gate cults, government intervention needs to be examined on a case by case basis in order to prevent unlawful infringement of religious rights; simply because a group exhibits violent behavior does not mean that the government has the right to put a stop to their practices.
What’s in a Cult?
A cult, according to the Webster Dictionary is “a small religious group that is not part of a larger and more accepted religion and that has beliefs regarded by many people as extreme or dangerous” (Merriam-Webster). One would rarely find a group or individual who considers themselves to be a cult or a cult member. “Cult” is a term that outsiders give unpopular groups who deviate from mainstream religious beliefs.
Along with the label “cult” comes several stereotypes, negative connotations, and preconceived notions. The article, “‘They’re Freaks!’ The Cult Stereotype in Fictional Television Shows, 1958...

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...Gate, one cannot be quick to judge a deviant religious group and inhibit their practices simply because they oppose mainstream religious beliefs. While several groups do engage in violent, harmful, and involuntary practices that warrant the involvement of the government, others possess practices that mainstream society may not agree with, but infringement on their right to practice would be unlawful. It is important to identify the difference between illegal, harmful practices and practices that defy mainstream society before any efforts to inhibit cult groups ensue. The term “cult” carries immense stereotypes and negative connotations which often result in the quick infringement of the religious rights of these groups. Therefore, it is crucial to objectively approach the situations of each group in order to avoid unlawful discrimination of any one group.

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